Changes to visitation at Princess Diana of Wales Hospital, Grimsby

The coronavirus crisis has now prompted changes to visitation guidelines at Princess Diana of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.

The Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust is currently restricting visiting times and the number of people who can visit a patient to reduce the risk of spreading the illness. Initially, the public were told that guidelines were as follows:

Two visitors per adult patient.
No children under the age of 16 without prior permission from the ward.
Two parents/or carers per child patient, and no siblings.
Those in the maternity ward are restricted to one birthing partner.
Visiting hours restricted to 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm.
Those in A&E are restricted to two people if they are needed to provide support.
Those who are unable to make decisions for themselves, in line with the mental capacity act regulations, may be accompanied.

However, regulations have now been updated again and visitors will now be limited to one per patient and must be immediate family or carers. Visits must now take place between 18:00 and 19:00.

This is across all departments.

Changes are being enforced as of today.

Chief Nurse, Ellie Monkhouse, said:

“We know it’s important for our patients to see family and friends but please consider if your visit is essential to help prevent the spread of infection. We want to reduce the risk to our staff, patients and visitors and this is one way of doing that.”

In some cases, such as where patients are critically ill or nearing the end of their life, we will of course do our very best to accommodate your visiting needs. If you have any questions about the guidance please speak to the relevant ward manager.

We are sorry for any inconvenience and would like to thank you for your co-operation and support in limiting the spread of coronavirus. We will monitor these arrangements on a regular basis.”

People are being asked to consider using telephone calls to keep in touch with patients, instead of visiting.

The NHS has now postponed all routine surgery in England for three months from the 15th of April. Please check with your local practice or hospital.

Contact Gi Grimsby
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